Overview
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Fans of castles will enjoy the visit to Edinburgh Castle, dating to the 12th century and today home to the Crown Jewels; and Kilkenny Castle, in Ireland, built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several route ways. Even older than these castles are the Roman baths in Bath, constructed around 70 AD and today one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, and Stonehenge. You’ll visit both of these on this Essential Britain & Ireland tour. You’ll also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and the House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, where you’ll see the highly-skilled craftsmen at work in the production of this famous crystal.
We have also included a special experience for you on this tour: a traditional Irish coffee demonstration in Waterford. Then, at the conclusion of your tour, travel via the high-speed Eurostar train to Paris for three overnights, plenty of leisure time, and guided sightseeing that includes a relaxing cruise of the River Seine with views of Notre Dame Cathedral. All services in Paris, including Local Host assistance, are provided by Monograms.
Highlights
Visit the prehistoric monument
BATHVisit the Roman relics
NEWPORTWelcome dinner
CARDIFFOrientation drive
PEMBROKE–ROSSLARECross St. George’s Channel by ferry
WATERFORDEnjoy an LF Irish Coffee demonstration; guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal
KILKENNYVisit Kilkenny Castle
DUBLINOrientation drive
BELFASTOrientation
BELFAST–CAIRNRYANCross the North Channel by ferry
EDINBURGHGuided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle
JEDBURGHTake pictures of the abbey ruins
YORKWalking tour
STRATFORD-UPON-AVONTake pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace
LONDON-PARIS
By high-speed Eurostar Train
PARISGuided sightseeing, Seine Cruise
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 12 breakfasts, 3 dinners
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Day1
Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. After checking into your hotel and an afternoon at leisure, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illuminations cruise on the Thames River.
LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–NEWPORT, WALES
Day2
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 am for a memorable day’s sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric STONEHENGE. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. At the elegant Georgian city of Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Then, cross the Severn River for a late-afternoon arrival in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Today’s Distance: 164 mi / 264 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
NEWPORT–CARDIFF–WATERFORD, IRELAND
Day3
A morning orientation drive in the Welsh capital features all the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Continue along the South Wales coast to Pembroke, where your FERRY will be waiting. Cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. After dinner this evening, enjoy an LF IRISH COFFEE DEMONSTRATION.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi / 271 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN
Day4
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL, then travel on to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s prettiest towns with medieval cobblestones and Old-World charm. Visit magnificent KILKENNY CASTLE, which overlooks the Nore River and has guarded this important river crossing for more than 900 years. The gardens, with extensive woodland paths, rose garden, and ornamental lake, create the setting for a beautiful stroll. On arrival in Dublin, top the day with an optional Irish cabaret evening, including dinner, dance, song, and laughter.
Today’s Distance: 115 mi / 195 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DUBLIN
Day5
An orientation drive in Ireland’s capital city includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Tonight, maybe take in an optional dinner outing to the Guinness Storehouse.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DUBLIN–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Day6
On your way to Northern Ireland, cross the Boyne River, then skirt the Mountains of Mourne. In Belfast, where the Titanic was built, take in the city’s vibrant history and view the impressive City Hall. Next, board your FERRY to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland’s southwest coast and continue through the scenic Scottish border country to Edinburgh. Tonight, relax and enjoy our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis.
Today’s Distance: 234 mi / 376 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH
Day7
Morning city sightseeing with a local expert introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique optional excursion: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. For departure numbers August 2 through August 23, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH–JEDBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND
Day8
This morning, drive past the abbey ruins at Jedburgh into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.
Today’s Distance: 198 mi / 318 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON.
Day9
On the last leg of your journey, stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the fascinating Elizabethan town, to take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. On return to London at about 3:30 pm, a Shownight Theater Evening would be an incredible finale to your vacation.
Today’s Distance: 260 mi / 418 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON–PARIS, FRANCE
Day10
Travel by HIGH-SPEED EUROSTAR TRAIN (Standard class) to Paris. Your Local Host is available to help you make the most of your stay.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PARIS
Day11
Morning guided sightseeing features Paris’ most famous highlights like Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe, and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower. Also enjoy a relaxing SEINE RIVER CRUISE with views of many well-known landmarks.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PARIS
Day12
Your Local Host will have many suggestions for your day at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PARIS
Day13
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- August 2 through August 23 Departures–Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket included
- Your sightseeing may be moved to an alternate day due to events in the city
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Superior First-Class
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guest throughout the hotel.
Location
200 Westminster Bridge, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Pay Movies
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
Hilton London Metropole
Superior First-Class
This contemporary, centrally located 1,054-room hotel is just a few minutes' stroll away from the West End and Oxford Street, London's major shopping area. Hyde Park and Regent Park are nearby, as are art galleries, museums and theaters. Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant, savor Asian Fusion favorites and views of London at Minako at the Met on the 23rd floor, or enjoy exciting sports events in the Sports Bar. Discover the latest additions to the hotel, the contemporary EDG Bar & Lounge and the Whisky Lounge, serving an impressive range of whiskies. The hotel also boasts a LivingWell Health Club, a 12.5 meter heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and the beauty salon.
Location
225 Edgware Road, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Voicemail
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor
First-Class
Business hotel with understated courtyard design & relaxed atmosphere; spacious conference facilities; near Cardiff and Bristol.
Location
Chepstow Road, Newport-Gwent, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Pool
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Room Service
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
Tower Hotel
First-Class
Traditional 4-story Hotel situated along the Quay, opposite historic Reginald's Tower (1003 A.D.).
Location
The Mall, Waterford, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Beauty Salon
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Climate Control
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
North Star
Superior First-Class
The newly refurbished North Star Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin's City Centre. The hotel property boasts 160 exceptionally appointed guest rooms and suites offering every amenity to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay for all guests. This central Dublin hotel is the ideal location for corporate or leisure stays in Dublin. It is on the doorstep of a host of Dublin tourist attractions within walking distance.
Location
Amiens Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
The Gibson
Superior First-Class
The Gibson does sleeping, dining, imbibing, and relaxing really well. The chic restaurant and bar offers pan-Asian cuisine; or choose the sleek outdoor terrace lined with bamboo to enjoy wicked cocktails and a great choice of beers and wines. The gym and a relaxation area with outdoor baths invite you to relax after a day out in town.
Location
Point Village, Dublin, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Phone
Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
First-Class
A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel has great views of Edinburgh Castle. The 158 stylish rooms all have internet access and satellite TV. Princes Dining Room and Bar are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for light snacks and drinks.
Location
53 Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Television
Marriott Courtyard
Superior First-Class
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh is the newest edition to the Scottish capital, combining heritage and style with an innovative design and locally inspired furnishings. The hotel has a prime location, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and Waverley Station. Spacious, modern hotel rooms include quality amenities, such as a selection of in-room entertainment, plush bedding, and a work desk. Meals are served in The Lantern Room and the lobby offers an innovative and sophisticated space for working and relaxing.
Location
1 - 3 Baxter's Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Hair Dryer
- Smoking Rooms
Holiday Inn York
First-Class
The friendly Holiday Inn York is set within a lush setting on leafy grounds. Wireless Internet is accessible throughout the property including the lobby which is appointed with oak furnishings or the beautiful, tree-lined outdoor patio.
Location
Tadcaster Road, York, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Voicemail
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Pay Movies
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Climate Control
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Mercure York Fairfield Manor
First-Class
18th century Georgian manor house set in its own grounds. This York hotel enjoys views of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and is 6 km from York Castle and the Jorvik Viking Museum.
Location
Shipton Road, Skelton-York, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Room Service
Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
First-Class
This elegant 405-room hotel is located close the River Seine and Eiffel Tower. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A light and airy restaurant serves up a range of international cuisine which during the summer months can be enjoyed in the tranquil terrace and gardens. There is also a lounge bar for snacks and drinks as well as a fitness room.
Location
20, Rue Jean Rey, Paris Cedex, France
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Ice Machine
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Smoking Rooms
